By Duchess Ifeoluwa
Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday visited Akure Airport to assess the extensive damage caused by a powerful rainstorm that struck two days earlier, severely disrupting flight operations and damaging key infrastructure.
The storm, recorded at wind speeds of approximately 65 knots, wreaked havoc on the terminal building and control tower, forcing a temporary halt to flights.
Speaking after inspecting the affected areas, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the extent of the destruction as devastating but commended the swift intervention of the Federal Government through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
He praised the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, SAN, for the prompt response in deploying personnel to restore operations as soon as possible.
He assured the public that, despite initial concerns of a prolonged closure, flights would resume much sooner than expected.
In a move to aid recovery efforts, the Governor announced the donation of a fire truck to the airport and pledged additional support to fast-track repairs.
Following discussions with airport management, he confirmed that flight operations would resume next week, countering earlier reports that suggested a suspension of up to three months.
He stated that substantial work was already underway on the terminal building and control tower, with aviation authorities giving assurances that the airport would be operational by Sunday.
Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed the Ondo State Government’s commitment to supporting the repair process and ensuring the airport reopens without delay.
Meanwhile, the Manager of the National Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Samuel Famuyiwa, reassured the public that the situation was under control and not as severe as initially feared.
The Governor was accompanied by the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, Ondo State House of Assembly member representing Akure North, Hon. Kolawole Ologede, and Chairman of Akure North Local Government, Mr Ogunbolude Johnson, among other officials.
